When it comes to playing the game of baseball, having the right equipment is essential. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the glove. In particular, infielders need a glove that is lightweight, flexible, and well-made. To ensure that their glove is up to the task, infielders must learn how to properly flair their glove. Flairing a glove is the process of breaking it in and molding it to fit the shape of an infielder’s hand.
In this guide, we’ll break down the process of flairing an infield glove and provide tips for doing so effectively.
Choosing the Right Glove
Before you begin the flairing process, it’s important to choose the right glove. The best infield gloves are lightweight, flexible, and made from high-quality leather. These gloves will be able to mold to the shape of your hand and provide the best performance.
It’s also important to choose a glove that fits your hand properly. Make sure that your glove is neither too tight nor too loose, as this will affect your performance on the field.
Breaking in the Glove
Once you’ve chosen the right glove, it’s time to begin breaking it in. This involves shaping the glove to fit your hand and making the leather more pliable. Here are a few tips for breaking in your glove:
• Rub the leather down with a leather conditioner. This softens the leather and makes it more pliable.
• Work the glove in your hands. This helps break in the leather and shape it to the contours of your hand.
• Bend the glove back and forth. This helps to soften the leather and make it easier to mold.
• Pound the glove against a hard surface, such as a wall or table. This helps to further break in the leather and make it more flexible.
• Place a ball in the pocket and close the glove around it. This helps to shape the pocket and make it easier to catch the ball.
Molding the Glove
Once the glove has been softened, it’s time to mold it to fit your hand. This involves shaping the glove to conform to the contours of your hand and making it more comfortable to wear. Here are a few tips for molding the glove:
• Place the glove on your hand and press down firmly. This helps to shape the glove to the contours of your hand.
• Place a ball in the pocket and close the glove around it. This helps to form the pocket and make it easier to catch the ball.
• Wrap a rubber band around the glove. This helps to keep the glove tight and shape it to the contours of your hand.
• Place the glove in a container of warm water and let it soak. This helps to soften the leather and make it easier to shape.
• Place the glove in a warm oven for a few minutes. This helps to further soften the leather and make it easier to shape.
Caring for the Glove
Once you’ve finished flairing your glove, it’s important to take care of it properly. This involves cleaning and conditioning the leather on a regular basis. Here are a few tips for caring for your glove:
• Clean the glove after each use. This helps to remove dirt and grime and keep the leather in good condition.
• Condition the glove with a leather conditioner. This helps to soften the leather and keep it pliable.
• Store the glove in a cool, dry place. This helps to prevent the leather from cracking or drying out.
• Avoid leaving the glove in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. This can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
Conclusion
Flairing an infield glove is an important part of playing the game of baseball. It’s important to choose the right glove, break it in properly, and care for it properly. Following these tips will help you get the most out of your glove and ensure that it performs at its best.